8 Surefire Ways to Increase Your Step Count by 25%

Today I'm sharing some surefire ways to increase your step count by 25%. Because let's face it. It's almost the new year and we all need to bump up our Fitbit step count! Just FYI- Affiliate links are used in this post.

If you are reading this in December or January then chances are you are at your heaviest weight of the year. The lastest weight loss research shows that around the world, people weigh the least right before the holidays, and the most they will weigh right after the holidays.

What that means is that we gain weight during the holiday season and then spend most of the year trying to lose it.

But guess what? You are not alone. I'm right there with you, my friend! It starts with those tiny “fun size” candy bars at Halloween and speeds right through Thanksgiving dinner, to the seemingly endless chain of food-filled holiday parties. Phew! Damage done! But now what?!

As the holidays wind down, we start thinking about our goals for the coming year, setting resolutions, wondering if we will accomplish them.

If you're thinking what I'm thinking- that we need to get this under control- then it is time for a plan.

Let's start the year off right so it doesn't take us all year to lose that weight. (Then we will be all ready for an October Weight Resolution!)

First thing's first. Let's get active. NOW.

I know it might be cold where you live, I know it feels great to snuggle in and be cozy, but there are ways you can be active in the winter. I'm not even going to tell you to snow shoe. Although I really want to try snow shoeing…

Let's get down to business. You've got your Fitbit or other tracker. (Or if you don't you can check out the Ultimate Fitbit Buyer's Guide.) You're all set to rock out, right? Not quite? Need some more motivation? Okay let's go!

Surefire Ways to Increase Your Step Count

2. Set a Specific Goal. Much like driving, you won't get anywhere if you don't know exactly where you're going. Check out some tips for weight related goal setting. It can't just be “lose weight” or “walk more.” Since I am using my Fitbit to help with my fitness goals I'm choosing to aim to increase my average daily step count by 25%.

3. Set a Deadline. One of the tips from the MAYO Clinic, and one you hear any time you talk about goal setting, is that you have to know WHEN you want to achieve your goal. I'm aiming for Valentine's Day.

4. Make a Plan. Research shows that the more you plan for your goal, the more likely you are to achieve it. If you are a paper planner sort or person, you should check out theseawesome fitness planners. Either way- if you change nothing, nothing will change!

5. Know Your Distances. I'm not saying learn to judge how far a mile is, what I mean is, if you know how many steps it takes to get to your most frequent destinations, then you'll always have the tools you need to reach your step goal. If you are leaving work and you are 1500 steps below where you normally are at that time, it would help to know that you could make up the gap by taking a couple laps around your office, perhaps. Here is a handy Free Step Count Printable where you can record your step count for your most frequent walks.

8. Ask People Who Have Already Done it. Do you know someone who recently accomplished a goal similar to yours? Give them a call, ask them to go for a walk, chat them up to learn their secrets. I wondered what my Fitbit audience could teach me about hitting my step goal, so I asked. Hundreds of Fitbit Fanatics took my Fitbit User's Survey and I compiled their most common tips. If your goal is to take more steps this year, check out 15+ Tips to Hit Your Step Goal From Fitbit Fanatics.

There you have it- 8 Surefire Ways to Increase Your Step Count. What am I missing? What is your best advice? Let's hear it in the comments below!